Brad Wallace (Defence Research and Development Canada), Eric Steinbring (National Research Council of Canada), Greg Fahlman (National Research Council of Canada), Brian Leckie (National Research Council of Canada), Tim Hardy (National Research Council of Canada), Murray Fletcher (National Research Council of Canada), Marcel Pennington (National Research Council of Canada), Kris Caputa (National Research Council of Canada), Ray Carlberg (University of Toronto), Bryce Croll (University of Toronto), Dell Bayne (Environment Canada), Bruce Cole (Environment Canada), Paul Hickson (University of British Columbia), Thomas Pfrommer (University of British Columbia), Stefan Thorsteinson (Royal Military College)
Keywords: SSA, SSA Architecture
Abstract:
Earth-observing satellites are often placed in sun-synchronous, polar orbits. Such orbits converge near the Earth’s poles, allowing a high latitude space surveillance sensor to perform high-cadence monitoring of the orbit and status of these spacecraft. A high latitude optical/infrared sensor would complement existing space surveillance radar sensors, but has not been seriously considered due to the lack of a potential site. Recently, a small number of astronomical observing sites, possibly suitable for placement of optical and infrared sensors, have been identified on Ellesmere Island in Canada (latitude 82 degrees North). Three of these sites, located above the local inversion layer and on mountains near the coast, are undergoing initial assessments using wind-powered environmental sensors and sky monitoring cameras. This paper will discuss the site testing equipment and plans, review some initial results, and briefly discuss the potential benefits for both astronomy and surveillance of space.
Date of Conference: September 16-19, 2008
Track: SSA & SSA Architecture